349 research outputs found
Spatial Regulation of Membrane Fusion Controlled by Modification of Phosphoinositides
Membrane fusion plays a central role in many cell processes from vesicular
transport to nuclear envelope reconstitution at mitosis but the mechanisms that
underlie fusion of natural membranes are not well understood. Studies with
synthetic membranes and theoretical considerations indicate that accumulation of
lipids characterised by negative curvature such as diacylglycerol (DAG)
facilitate fusion. However, the specific role of lipids in membrane fusion of
natural membranes is not well established. Nuclear envelope (NE) assembly was
used as a model for membrane fusion. A natural membrane population highly
enriched in the enzyme and substrate needed to produce DAG has been isolated and
is required for fusions leading to nuclear envelope formation, although it
contributes only a small amount of the membrane eventually incorporated into the
NE. It was postulated to initiate and regulate membrane fusion. Here we use a
multidisciplinary approach including subcellular membrane purification,
fluorescence spectroscopy and Förster resonance energy transfer
(FRET)/two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to demonstrate
that initiation of vesicle fusion arises from two unique sites where these
vesicles bind to chromatin. Fusion is subsequently propagated to the endoplasmic
reticulum-derived membranes that make up the bulk of the NE to ultimately
enclose the chromatin. We show how initiation of multiple vesicle fusions can be
controlled by localised production of DAG and propagated bidirectionally.
Phospholipase C (PLCÎł), GTP hydrolysis and
(phosphatidylinsositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) are
required for the latter process. We discuss the general implications of membrane
fusion regulation and spatial control utilising such a mechanism
Targeting of membranes to sea urchin sperm chromatin is mediated by a lamin B receptor-like integral membrane protein.
Duality properties of Gorringe-Leach equations
In the category of motions preserving the angular momentum's direction,
Gorringe and Leach exhibited two classes of differential equations having
elliptical orbits. After enlarging slightly these classes, we show that they
are related by a duality correspondence of the Arnold-Vassiliev type. The
specific associated conserved quantities (Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector and
Fradkin-Jauch-Hill tensor) are then dual reflections one of the othe
Extended Fermi coordinates
We extend the notion of Fermi coordinates to a generalized definition in
which the highest orders are described by arbitrary functions. From this
definition rises a formalism that naturally gives coordinate transformation
formulae. Some examples are developped in which the extended Fermi coordinates
simplify the metric components.Comment: 16 pages, 1 figur
Patient-specific image-based computer simulation for theprediction of valve morphology and calcium displacement after TAVI with the Medtronic CoreValve and the Edwards SAPIEN valve
AIMS:
Our aim was to validate patient-specific software integrating baseline anatomy and biomechanical properties of both the aortic root and valve for the prediction of valve morphology and aortic leaflet calcium displacement after TAVI.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
Finite element computer modelling was performed in 39 patients treated with a Medtronic CoreValve System (MCS; n=33) or an Edwards SAPIEN XT (ESV; n=6). Quantitative axial frame morphology at inflow (MCS, ESV) and nadir, coaptation and commissures (MCS) was compared between multislice computed tomography (MSCT) post TAVI and a computer model as well as displacement of the aortic leaflet calcifications, quantified by the distance between the coronary ostium and the closest calcium nodule. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a strong correlation between the observed (MSCT) and predicted frame dimensions, although small differences were detected for, e.g., Dmin at the inflow (mean±SD MSCT vs.
MODEL:
21.6±2.4 mm vs. 22.0±2.4 mm; difference±SD: -0.4±1.3 mm, p<0.05) and Dmax (25.6±2.7 mm vs. 26.2±2.7 mm; difference±SD: -0.6±1.0 mm, p<0.01). The observed and predicted calcium displacements were highly correlated for the left and right coronary ostia (R2=0.67 and R2=0.71, respectively p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
Dedicated software allows accurate prediction of frame morphology and calcium displacement after valve implantation, which may help to improve outcome
A Statistical Mechanical Problem in Schwarzschild Spacetime
We use Fermi coordinates to calculate the canonical partition function for an
ideal gas in a circular geodesic orbit in Schwarzschild spacetime. To test the
validity of the results we prove theorems for limiting cases. We recover the
Newtonian gas law subject only to tidal forces in the Newtonian limit.
Additionally we recover the special relativistic gas law as the radius of the
orbit increases to infinity. We also discuss how the method can be extended to
the non ideal gas case.Comment: Corrected an equation misprint, added four references, and brief
comments on the system's center of mass and the thermodynamic limi
Report of the Study Group on Recruitment Variability in North Sea Planktivorous Fish (SGRECVAP)
All Static Circularly Symmetric Perfect Fluid Solutions of 2+1 Gravity
Via a straightforward integration of the Einstein equations with cosmological
constant, all static circularly symmetric perfect fluid 2+1 solutions are
derived. The structural functions of the metric depend on the energy density,
which remains in general arbitrary. Spacetimes for fluids fulfilling linear and
polytropic state equations are explicitly derived; they describe, among others,
stiff matter, monatomic and diatomic ideal gases, nonrelativistic degenerate
fermions, incoherent and pure radiation. As a by--product, we demonstrate the
uniqueness of the constant energy density perfect fluid within the studied
class of metrics. A full similarity of the perfect fluid solutions with
constant energy density of the 2+1 and 3+1 gravities is established.Comment: revtex4, 8 page
Haut parleur tout aimant guidé sur joint ferrofluide : caractérisation dynamique du guidage
Une étude expérimentale sur le comportement visqueux de ferrofluides, au sein d'une goutte insérée entre deux plans parallèles, en condition de cisaillement oscillatoire et sous champ magnétique homogène et stationnaire, permet d'alimenter un modèle pour les pertes d'un haut-parleur tout aimant guidé sur joint ferrofluide. Ces joints sont localisés dans les zones de fort gradient de champs magnétique. Le modèle de perte, fonction du volume, de la viscosité et de la saturation magnétique du ferrofluide, est alors validé par confrontation avec une expérience
Surveillance indicators and their use in implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Abstract
The European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) uses indicators to track ecosystem state in relation to Good Environmental Status (GES). These indicators were initially expected to be “operational”, i.e. to have well-understood relationships between state and specified anthropogenic pressure(s), and to have defined targets. Recent discussion on MSFD implementation has highlighted an additional class of “surveillance” indicators. Surveillance indicators monitor key aspects of the ecosystem for which there is: first, insufficient evidence to define targets and support formal state assessment; and/or second, where links to anthropogenic pressures are either weak or not sufficiently well understood to underpin specific management advice. Surveillance indicators are not only expected to directly track state in relation to GES, but also to provide complementary information (including warning signals) that presents a broader and more holistic picture of state, and inform and support science, policy, and management. In this study, we (i) present a framework for including surveillance indicators into the Activity–Pressure–State–Response process, (ii) consider a range of possible indicators that could perform this surveillance role, and (iii) suggest criteria for assessing the performance of candidate surveillance indicators, which might guide selection of the most effective indicators to perform this function.</jats:p
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